Part Thirty-Six: Of Ecclesiatical Power
Part Thirty-Seven: End


INTRODUCTION


THE APOLOGY OF THE CONFESSION.

Philip Melanchthon Presents His Greeting to the Reader. Wherefore we
believe that troubles and dangers for the glory of Christ and the
good of the Church should be endured, and we are confident that this
our fidelity to duty is approved of God, and we hope that the
judgment of posterity concerning us will be more just.

For it is undeniable that many topics of Christian doctrine whose
existence in the Church is of the greatest moment have been brought
to view by our theologians and explained; in reference to which we
are not disposed here to recount under what sort of opinions, and how
dangerous, they formerly lay covered in the writings of the monks,
canonists, and sophistical theologians. [This may have to be done
later.]

We have the public testimonials of many good men, who give God thanks
for this greatest blessing, namely, that concerning many necessary
topics it has taught better things than are read everywhere in the
books of our adversaries.

We shall commend our cause, therefore, to Christ, who some time will
judge these controversies, and we beseech Him to look upon the